By Enna Jimenez

Every year, thousands of LatinX youth in Boston strive for success, yet many face significant barriers—particularly in education and career advancement. Despite the rich contributions of the LatinX community, many young people lack the mentorship they need to thrive. Leaders like Vanessa Calderon, who empowers immigrant communities at Inquilinos Boricuas en Accion (IBA), Eneida Roman, CEO We are ALX, who is creating real impact in health, education, and economic mobility, and Marcela Aldaz-Matos, CEO ARKA HR, who is creating new opportunities for the Latino community, exemplify the power of mentorship. Radhames Nova, President and CEO at Junior Achievement of Greater Boston, is also making a big impact on our youth every day. Today, mentoring remains a vital tool for bridging gaps and empowering the next generation of LatinX professionals in Boston.

Mentorship has long been a pillar of personal growth within the LatinX community. The path to success isn’t just about individual determination but also about the support of those who have walked similar paths. Whether through a family member, a community leader, a mentoring program, or a chance encounter, mentorship provides invaluable guidance. For young LatinX individuals, mentorship can be transformative, offering motivation, direction, and perspective, to overcome challenges and succeed.

Growing up with Dominican parents, we moved from Puerto Rico to Boston at an early age, as my parents wanted an environment where we could blossom. I was fortunate to have mentors who saw my potential and helped me view my cultural heritage as a powerful asset. From community leaders to peers, these mentors showed me that our LatinX roots offer unique perspectives that enrich any field. Their support made my transition to life as a teen in Dorchester and Jamaica Plain—where my parents worked hard to build their businesses—easier, reinforcing the importance of overcoming adversity.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned from my mentors was the power of resilience. Their stories of perseverance showed me that setbacks are a natural part of the journey to success. They taught me to lead with empathy and reminded me that being “the only” in a room was an opportunity to lead by example. These lessons stayed with me, guiding my personal and professional journey, and it’s at the core of my ‘why.’

As I advanced my career in the tech industry, mentorship became even more crucial. Navigating a predominantly white, male-dominated space as a Black Latina woman presented unique challenges. But mentors who understood those challenges firsthand made all the difference. They served as sounding boards, offering advice, helping me push past imposter syndrome, and reminded me that my worth was not defined by others’ limited views.

Now, as a mentor to young LatinX professionals, I see these same patterns emerging. I encourage others to embrace their cultural identity as a source of pride and to actively seek opportunities for growth and connection with others who share similar experiences. I understand the power of hearing someone say, “I see you. I believe in you. You can succeed.” I’ve been fortunate enough to build a professional family, known as the ALPFAmilia, through my volunteer and leadership roles at ALPFA (The Association of Latino Professionals for America) where I’m able to truly lean into mentoring others.

Mentorship provides a sense of belonging, showing young LatinX leaders that their dreams are not only possible, but within reach. Hispanic Star shared: Latinos are young. More than 25% of Gen Zs in the U.S. are Latino. The most common age of LatinX is 19 vs 61 for non-LatinX. Studies show that mentored youth are more likely to achieve higher education and career success, particularly in industries where LatinX individuals have historically been underrepresented.

Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) are seeing an increase in interest among LatinX youth seeking adult mentors. In the last 4 years, 82% more LatinX youth/families have expressed interest in BBBSEM programming. The benefits of mentoring are mutual—mentoring enhances the mentor’s sense of purpose, fosters stronger social connections, and even improves mental and physical well-being.

In industries where LatinX representation is still limited, mentorship helps break down barriers, paving the way for young people to envision a future where they too can lead. This Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s reflect on how we can contribute to the success of Boston’s LatinX youth. Whether through formal mentorship programs or simply by sharing our knowledge and experiences, we all have the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

About the Author: Enna Jimenez is a dedicated advocate for mentorship and community empowerment, currently serving on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts. With over 30 years of experience in Leadership, Technology, and Transformation Management, she helps her community through Executive Career Coaching, a published author and Keynote Speaker as CEO, Enna Jimenez LLC. Enna also currently serves as the Chief Development Officer for ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America). Enna is a powerhouse Latina whose passion for community, leadership & advocating for what is right has made such an impact globally, with notable accolades including the 2025 United Latinas Top Latinas 50over50 List and the Amplify Latinx ALX100 Award. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, to enroll your children or to become a mentor, visit: emassbigs.org.